Allister Coetzee Says He Will Meet Transformation Targets

New Springbok coach Allister Coetzee insisting tough transformation targets will be met and will result in a successful South African rugby team.

Coetzee has been formally appointed coach replacing Heyneke Meyer who stepped down after last year's World Cup.

The former Stormers mentor was supposed to be unveiled as the new national coach in December, but South Africa Rugby postponed it until this month.

Coetzee is humbled by his appointment.

"It has been a rollercoaster emotionally but I'm happy that it's out now and that we can start with the business at hand."

He has less than two months before the Irish series, but Coetzee is adamant that's more than enough time.

"The bottom line is we have to be ready come the June incoming tests. Sometimes it's easy if you have too much time with thinking things. We're starting the series at home which is a big positive."

Under SARU's transformation policy, half the Springbok squad needs to be non-white by the 2019 World Cup.

Last year's World Cup squad had just over a quarter of non-white players.

Coetzee said that's achievable on merit.

"It is unique and I think that uniqueness must actually make us stronger. At the Stormers we were faced in Super Rugby with the same challenged, you know, I selected players and they performed. They were merit-based selection.

"And if you look at our players, young players who have been given opportunity -- I don't want to mention names -- across the colour spectrum are performing at the moment, then I'm excited. I need to back every player that I select."

Coetzee was an assistant under Jake White when South Africa won the World Cup in 2007.

He has been in Japan since late last year, coaching Top League side the Kobelco Steelers.

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